When a married couple files a joint tax return, each spouse is “jointly and severally” liable for the full amount of tax on the couple’s combined income. That means the IRS can pursue either spouse to collect the entire tax, not just the part that’s attributed to one spouse or the other. This includes any tax deficiency that the IRS assesses after an audit, as well as any penalties and interest. In some cases, however, one spouse may be eligible for “innocent spouse relief.” This generally occurs when one spouse was unaware of a tax understatement that was attributable to the other spouse.
Tax Season Is Long Over, but Tax Scams Are Thriving
The IRS is warning taxpayers about emails and text messages that promise refunds and credits but that actually result in identity theft. Many current schemes involve the third Economic Impact Payment (originally made in 2021). Messages may also reference the …
The Home Office Tax Deduction for Small Business
If you’re a small business owner who uses your home for business, you may be eligible to claim the home office deduction, which allows you to deduct certain home expenses on your tax return. The benefit to this, of course, is that it can reduce the amount of your taxable income.
Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation: What is the Difference?
Many people assume tax planning is the same as tax preparation, but the two are quite different. Let’s take a closer look:
What To Know About Keeping Good Tax Records
It’s January, and tax season is right around the corner. For many people, that means scrambling to collect receipts, mileage logs, and other tax-related documents needed to prepare their tax returns. If this describes you, chances are, you’re wishing you’d kept on top of it during the year so you could avoid this scenario yet again. With this in mind, here are seven suggestions to help taxpayers like you keep good records throughout the year:
Rental Real Estate Qualifies as a Business
A safe harbor is now available for taxpayers seeking to claim the section 199A deduction with respect to a “rental real estate enterprise.” What this means is that certain interests in rental real estate – including interests in mixed-use property – are allowed to be treated as a trade or business for purposes of the qualified business income deduction under section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Hobby Loss Rule Could Hurt Your Side Hustle: 5 Tips to Overcome It
Your Side Gig Could Be Your Main Tax Headache…Thanks to the Hobby Loss Rule
Imagine this. By day, you’re a software engineer. By night? You’re an author on a mission to publish the next great American novel.
You take writing seriously. It’s your side business. But the IRS isn’t so sure…
Inside the Numbers with Susy Gao
Meet Susy Gao, a compassionate and dedicated partner at Robert P. Russo CPA PC. With over 15 years of experience in accounting, Susy has cemented herself as a cornerstone of the firm. In this video, she shares her journey from …
Minimizing Capital Gains Tax on Sale of a Home
If you’re looking to sell your home this year, then it may be time to take a closer look at the exclusion rules and cost basis of your home to reduce your taxable gain on the sale.
Tips to Help You Figure Out if Your Gift is Taxable
Gift tax returns generally do not need to be filed unless you give someone, other than your spouse (if he or she is a U.S. citizen) money or property worth more than the gift tax annual exclusion for that year. Here are four more tips regarding the tax treatment of gifts: